Crataegus viridis aka Southernthorn

Crataegus viridis, or green hawthorn, is a deciduous tree. It belongs to the rose family, Rosaceae. Its home range lies in the eastern United States. It reaches from Virginia to Florida, west to Texas. It also extends north to Illinois, Iowa, and Maryland. Wild trees grow in low ground, swamps, and stream banks. Garden trees reach 20–35 feet (6.1–10.7 metres) tall and wide. Some accounts give heights of 40 feet (12.2 metres). Growth is slow, with a dense, round, spreading crown.

Gray stems bear thin thorns, though some trees lack them. Thorns can reach about 1.5 inches and cause injury. Older bark peels away to show an orange layer beneath. Trunks may have deep grooves along their length. The simple leaves grow in an alternate pattern. They are dark green and glossy, with toothed edges. Shallow lobes mark the upper part of each leaf. Leaves can reach 3.5 inches long. Fall brings purple and red shades before leaves drop.

White, five-petaled flowers open in spring, often during May. They form corymbs about two inches across. Their scent draws midges, which help pollinate the flowers. Bees and butterflies also visit for nectar. Small, round pomes follow, turning red or orange. They ripen in September and may remain through winter. Birds eat the fruit and nest among the branches. Mammals also feed on the fruit. Several hairstreak butterflies use this tree as a larval host. People can use the edible fruit for jelly. Its eating quality is poor, so gardeners often leave it for wildlife.

Full sun gives the best growing conditions. The tree also copes with light shade and drought. It grows in clay, loam, or sand with good drainage. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. Dry to moderately moist ground suits garden planting. UConn favors moist, fertile soil, while other sources warn of excess shoots. Rich, wet conditions can prompt this unwanted growth. Published hardiness ranges cover USDA zones 4–8. The tree tolerates pruning and needs little routine care. Gardeners use it on lawns, streets, and in native gardens. Pruning can shape it into a hedge or screen. It tolerates urban air pollution.

Green hawthorn resists disease better than many other hawthorns. Cedar hawthorn rust and fire blight can still affect it. Other problems include leaf spots, mildew, cankers, and apple scab. Borers, caterpillars, lace bugs, leafminers, and scale may attack. Its hard, heavy wood has little commercial value. NC State lists it as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Its sharp thorns remain a physical hazard.